Orlando Fringe review: 'Slipping'

Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel Theater Critic

The gay coming-of-age drama "Slipping" presents a definite challenge to its actors. Playwright Daniel Talbott has structured the show in more than 30 scenes -- some of which are little more than a line or two.

It's hard to generate empathy when every time the audience feels as if it's getting one step closer to understanding these characters, there's a break for a scene change. How do you get to know someone in 1-minute increments? Director Bill Patterson hasn't figured it out.

In the story, young Eli (Chase Ray Livingston) has moved to a new town after his father's death. Mom (Johanna Walp) is dating again, and Eli has a thing for local baseball player Jake (Mickey Bahr). Eli also has a lot of personal issues, including getting over a previous emotionally abusive relationship with Chris (Alex Markowitz).

Livingston plays convincing teen angst and isn't afraid to make Eli downright unlikable when need be. Eli is interested in photography, and it struck me while watching the show that we're seeing snapshots of his life. But just as you can't tell too much about a person from a photograph, you can't glean much from this choppy show.